THE MAGAZINE FOR THE DRAINAGE,WATER &WASTEWATER INDUSTRIES


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across the sector, especially in areas such as renewable energy.The year-on-year increases in the biogas combined head and power units andwind and solar-poweredwater and wastewater treatment siteswould nowbe sufficient to power over 400,000 homes. “However, progress had not been consistent from2008,whenwe had the development of the CarbonAccountingWorkbook,which brought consistency and accuracy to the reporting process across the industry, andUK Water Industry Research (UKWIR) measurement frameworks.The inconsistency was around leadership, setting targets and challenging the supply chain to deliver lower carbon solutions. “With the net zero carbon 2030 goal,we are nowwitnessing a change.Momentumand recognition of the need to take action is building - the industry is nowat a pointwhere it can use the data it has gathered over the last fewyears to shape a progressive zero carbon strategy.” Thewater industrywas the first sector in the UK to commit to net zero carbon emissions by 2030.At a collaborativeWaterUK-hosted event inMarch 2020, industry leaders gave feedback on the development of a routemap and optionswere set out for companies to consider as they developed their own future plans. These included reducing emissions caused by wastewater treatment processes, increased


energy efficiency, increasing self-generated renewables such as solar power and anaerobic digestion, purchasing green electricity and rolling out electric and alternative fuel vehicles. Riley said:“The development of the route map is also broadening knowledge beyond company boundaries to a sector-wide understanding of energy efficiency and,most importantly, the knowledge that exists across the supply chain andwithin other sectors.The sector does not have all the answers to some very challenging areas, so the ambition, leadership and support of our supply chain in unlocking opportunities to significantly reduce carbon in our operations is vital.” Net Zero 2030Digital Conversation is a first in a series of events fromBritishWater thatwill promote avenues to a net zero future and comes at a timewhen global leaders are being urged to plan a green economic recovery fromthe Covid-19 pandemic.How thewater industry responds, and the progress itmakes inmeeting its 2030 target,will be closely observed by other industries and the UK government,which in June 2019 set a target for theUK to achieve net zero carbon by 2050. Riley said:“Thework developing the sector routemap has continued through this difficult timewith Covid-19.There is a link to thewater industry ambitions aswe think through a‘build back better’approach - not


only dowe consider the carbon emissions in operating the assetswe design butwe are also challenging on howinfrastructure across theUK is ready for the longer termclimate challenges around flooding and drought. “Other sectors andwider stakeholders are closelymonitoring the approach being taken. ThroughWaterUK and individual companies there is regular contactwith the Committee on Climate Change to share our approaches and the partwe play across thewiderUK carbon ambitions. “Collaboration and virtual events are proving to be a particularly usefulway to share knowledge and gain feedback on strategies and opportunities to tackle the climate emergency.” BritishWater’s chief executive LilaThompson said:“TheUKwater industry is leading the way by committing to a net zero carbon future by 2030. Embedded in the sector and its supply chain are the skills and expertise to achieve the target but thismust be underpinned by collaboration and leadership. I amproud that the industry is taking this positive step and I amlooking forward to hearing valuable insights fromits leading carbon neutrality experts on 1 July.” Net Zero 2030Digital Conversation takes place on 1 July. Speakerswill also include Samuel Larsen, programme lead atWaterUK, andMariaManidaki, investment planning advisor atMottMacDonald.


Simple steps to keep onsite treatment within consent


With the Environment Agencymaking clear to thewater industry its expectations for zero pollutions, the need for robust wastewater treatment has never been greater, says AndrewBaird,WPL’s technical director. The regulator’s toughening approach to discharge permit breaches, a number of high profile prosecutions and record fines for polluters, alongwith increased public awareness,means customers are also demandingmore fromtheirwater utilities. Whilemuch of the EnvironmentAgency’s scrutiny has been directed at thewater sector – in 2019, it told the industry to clean up its act and protect the environment frompollution – it is clear that all companieswith onsite treatment are coming under increasing pressure to have reliable processes in place.


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Abreach of trade effluent consent,which is granted bywater companies to companies that discharge into the public sewer, is a criminal offence and penalties can range from an earlywarning notice to a fine or prosecution or, in themost serious cases, imprisonment. Financial and reputational implications are also significant.The cost of reactivemitigation for themost serious breaches, such as clean- ups or tankering, can potentially run into millions and risks thrusting the company brand into the spotlight for thewrong reasons. WPL specialises in packagedwastewater treatment plants and sees different companies making the same avoidablemistakes that result in permit breaches - but the solutions are often simple.


Maintain onsite equipment


Equipment failure lies behind themajority of permit breaches, and often occurs due to a lack ofmaintenance. When it comes to commercial or industrial companies, onsite effluent treatment is not necessarily seen as a core part of the operation and interest can be lacking.This can result in this vital equipment, thatmay underpin the efficiency of thewhole site, being some of the least loved. When installing newkit,we advise management to give the responsibility of maintaining it to specific employeeswho understand not only themechanics but also the importance of the plant.Having enthusiastic champions of the equipment means it ismore likely to receive the attention it deserves.


August 2020 | drain TRADER 45


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